Ski-tote device

ABSTRACT

A lightweight, hand-held carrier for a pair of skis and poles is presented. The carrier includes twin elongated clamping members, hingedly interconnected at the lower end thereof. Each member defines three opposed, inwardly opening recesses for receiving a central portion, respectively, of the skis disposed in a face-toface relationship, and each of the poles. The upper ends of said members are releasably connected by a locking means, and a handle is also mounted thereon, so that when the skis and poles are clamped in said recesses with the longitudinal axes thereof perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said members, the assembly may be conveniently carried by the handle.

United States Patent [191 Warner 1 SKI-TOTE DEVICE [76] Inventor: Walter John Warner, Westford, Vt.

[22] Filed: June 15, 1972 [21] Appl. No.: 263,102

224/5 D, 1 B, 42.1 G, 42.1 R, 47; 294/8722; 211/60 SK, 8, 64; 280/1137 K [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,136,598 4/1915 Gould 224/47 1,342,517 6/1920 Tyson 211/8 2,225,492 12/1940 Warrick.... 224/45 0 2,552,293 5/1951 Page 211/64 2,788,928 4/1957 Desfosses 224/421 G 3,225,987 12/1965 Bonner l 280/1 1.37 K 3,262,619 7/1966 Selnes 224/50 111 3,892,343 [451 July 1, 1975 3,497,676 2/1970 Gravatt A. 224/5 D Primary Examiner-Albert .l. Makay Assistant ExaminerKenneth Noland Attorney, Agent, or FirmLeBlanc & Shur [57] ABSTRACT A lightweight, hand-held carrier for a pair of skis and poles is presented. The carrier includes twin elongated clamping members, hingedly interconnected at the lower end thereof. Each member defines three 0pposed, inwardly opening recesses for receiving a cen tral portion, respectively, of the skis disposed in a face-to-face relationship, and each of the poles. The upper ends of said members are releasably connected by a locking means, and a handle is also mounted thereon, so that when the skis and poles are clamped in said recesses with the longitudinal axes thereof perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said members, the assembly may be conveniently carried by the handle.

11 Claims, 6 Drawing Figures SKI-TOTE DEVICE This invention relates to a device useful for holding skis and ski poles in a mutually spaced relationship, convenient for transportation to and from the ski slope. The device of this invention is designed to firmly grip the skis and poles at the balance thereof so that they may be carried by a single hand grip, and the device is adaptable for use with a variety of skis and poles having different dimensional configurations.

Skis and poles are particularly burdensome and difficult to transport, for example, from the skiers car to the ski slope. Skis often exceed seven feet in length while the poles may be at least two feet shorter. Therefore, if they are merely bundled together and carried over the skiers shoulder, the load is unwieldly, and it is nearly impossible when carrying such a bundle to balance the load and keep the skies from slipping. The problem is compounded when, as is often the case, the skier has only one hand free to secure the load because he is also carrying boots or other items of equipment.

The prior art contains several different types of handheld carriers for skis, For example, US. Pat. No. 3,268,134 describes a flexible band which may be used to cinch the skis and poles together in a bundle. A handle is provided on the band for carrying the bundle. However, the flexible nature of the cinch results in an awkward rocking motion of the bundle as the skier walks. This device may also permit abrasive movement of the skis and poles against each other.

Other types of carriers utilize heavy frames and expensive locking mechanisms to prevent theft of the skis when not in use, or large, bulky frames to grip the skis on either side of the bindings, extending across the central portion of the skis in order to balance the load as the skis are carried. However, the known prior art does not provide a satisfactory, lightweight and inexpensive device which will secure the skis and poles so that they may be easily transported by hand.

It has been discovered, according to this invention, that a lightweight and inexpensive carrier effective to overcome the aformentioned difficulties may be provided with opposed clamping members which rigidly hold the skis and poles in a mutually spaced relationship. The device of this invention incorporates twin, elongated members interconnected by a hinge at the lower end and a releasable lock at the upper end. Each of the members defines three opposed, inwardly opening recesses which may be lined with a cushioning material, such as foam rubber, to accommodate skis and poles of different sizes. For example, the resilient cushion enables use of the device of this invention with ei ther standard skis or the relatively narrow crosscountry skies.

To use the device of this invention, the lock is released and the clamping members pivoted about their hinged connection to an open position. Skis are disposed, with running surfaces abutting, in the lower of the three recesses so that the longitudinal axes thereof extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the clamping members. Each pole is then placed in each of the upper recesses with the longitudinal axis of each pole disposed substantially parallel to the longitudinal axes of the skis.

The clamping members are pivoted about the hinged connection to a closed position wherein the inner surfaces of said members abut. The locking mechanism is then engaged to hold the members together, clamping the skis and poles therebetween.

In order to more easily carry skis and poles it is desirable to clamp them in the device of this invention at or near the central portion thereof in order to balance the load. The skis and poles are thereby secured to form a balanced load rigidly secured against shifting as the skier walks. The skis and poles are also separated to avoid contact which might scratch or damage them.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to pro vide a lightweight, inexpensive, hand-held carrier for skis and poles.

It is another object to provide a compact clamping assembly for gripping skis and poles at or near the balance thereof so that they may be transported by hand with a minimum of inconvenience to the skier.

it is another object to provide a lightweight and efficient carrier for skis and poles which will separately grip them so that they may be transported by hand without abrasive damage.

It is still another object to provide a carrier having opposed clamping members for securely engaging a pair of skis and each of two ski poles so that skis and poles may be easily transported by hand without undue inconvenience or damage.

It is still another object to provide a hand-held carrier for either skis or poles or both having opposed clamping members with separate, cushioned recesses for receiving and securely gripping the skis and each pole, said carrier adaptable for use with a variety of different skis and poles having different lateral dimensions.

It is yet another object ot provide a hand-held carrier for a pair of skies and ski poles having twin, elongated, clamping members interconnected by a hinge at an end thereof, said members defining an inwardly opening, ski-receiving recess adjacent the hinge and two inwardly opening, mutually spaced, pole-receiving recesses so that when the skis disposed with the running surfaces abutting, and the poles, extend through said recesses between said members, said members may be fastened together to rigidly secure said skis and poles therebetween.

These and other objects will become readily apparent with reference to the drawings and following descrip tion wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the device of this invention with a pair of skis and poles retained therein;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 22 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 2 showing an embodiment of the device of this invention in an open position;

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary, elevational view of an alternative embodiment of the device of this invention;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 55 of FIG. 4; and

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 4.

With attention to the drawings FIGS. 1 and 2 show the carrier 10 ofthis invention with a pair of skis l2 and poles 14 secured therein. FIGS. 1 and 2 show the carrier 10 in a closed position, and FIG. 3 shows the carrier 10 in an open position.

The device 10 consists of twin elongated clamping members 16 which may be constructed of plastic, fiberglass, or metal. The members 16 are interconnected at the lower end thereof by a hinge 18. The upper end of members 16 mounts sleeves 18 with handle 20 retained therein.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that a handle of any well known configuration or mounting may be provided, and this invention is not intended to be limited to the use of two handles 20 as shown in FIGS. l-3 or to the use of flanges 18 to secure handle 20 to members 16.

Each member 16 defines three recesses 22, 24, and 26. Recesses 22, defined by members 16, extend laterally across members 16 and have a rectangular crosssectional configuration. When the device of this invention is in the open position of FIG. 3 wherein members 16 are pivoted outwardly about hinge l8, skis 12 with running surfaces abutting as shown in FIG. 1, may be inserted into recesses 22. In order to balance the load, it is preferred to retain the central portion of skis 12 in recesses 22.

Poles 14 are also retained in recesses 24 and 26 at or near the central portion thereof. Recesses 24 and 26 are mutually spaced and disposed, on members 16, between sleeves 18 and recesses 22. Recesses 24 and 26 extend laterally across each members 16, parallel to recess 22, so that when the skis and poles are affixed in the device of this invention as shown in FIG. 1, the longitudinal axes of the skis and poles will be disposed in a paralled relationship to each other, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of the carrier 10.

A portion of the inner surfaces of members 16 may be lined with a resilient material 28 such as sponge rubber. Recesses 22, 24, and 26, only, may be lined, or, the lower and central portion of members 16 including the said recesses may be lined as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. Lining 28 in recesses 22, 24, and 26, serves to accomodate and grip skis and poles having different dimensions. In this way, the device 10 may be used with a wide variety of skis and poles, without regard to the diameter of the poles 14, or the width or thickness of the skis 12.

When the device of this invetion is in the closed position of FIGS. 1 and 2, a locking means 30 is used to connect members 16 and retain the skis 12 and poles 14, respectively, in recesses 22, 24, and 26. As shown in FIG. 2, the locking means may be a threaded bolt 32 having a wing nut 34 so that the bolt 32 extends through openings 36 in the upper portion of members 16 and when the wing nut 34 is threadedly received thereon. as shown in FIG. 2, the members 16 will be retained in the closed position.

FIGS. 46 picture an alternate embodiment of the device of this invention 10. In this embodiment twin elongated clamping members 16' are provided. Members 16' are preferably molded of plastic or fiberglass and are interconnected at the base thereof by a hinge 18. When molded plastic or fiberglass is used in the preferred embodiment the handles 36 will be integrally formed at the upper end portion of members 16'.

Members 16' also provide recesses 22', 24', and 26, as in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3. The recesses 22, 24', and 26' only or the lower and central portions of members 16' may also be lined with a resilient lining material 28.

The locking means 38 includes a U-shaped latch 40 as shown in FIG. 6. The base 42 of the latch 40 mounts a washer 44, and opposed legs 46 extend outwardly therefrom. A slightly thicknened bearing surface 48 may be provided at the end portion of legs 46. The base 42 of latch 46 extends through an opening 50in one of members 16 and a vertical notch 52, as shown in phantom in FIG. 4, in the other of members 16'.

Latch 46 is rotatable relative to members 16 within opening 50 and notch 52 from the open position shown in phantom in FIG. 4 to the closed position shown in FIGS. 4 and 6. In the closed position, the upper end portions of members 16' are retained between legs 46 and bearing surfaces 48.

However, when legs 46 are rotated within opening 50 and notch 52 to the open position, shown in phantom in FIG. 4, the locking means will be released and the members 16 may be pivoted about their hinged connection 18' to an open position similar to that shown in FIG. 3. Safety lugs 54 may be provided on the upper end portion of members 16' to retain the latch 40 in the closed position. Then, in order to open latch 40, legs 46 must be physically separated as latch 40 is rotated to the open position in order to permit them to ride over the safety lugs 54 on the periphery of members 16'.

It will be obvious to those skilled in the art that this invention is not intended to be limited to the particular locking device shown. Any well known locking means such as a spring clip, hook, or flap mounted on one of the elongated clamping members 16 or 16' and engageable with any conventional means on the other member 16' may be used to retain members 16 or 16' in the closed position.

In summary, a lightweight portable carrier for skis and poles has been described. The carrier comprises twin elongated clamping members interconnected at an end by a hinge and at an opposite end by a releasable locking means. The clamping members define three mutually spaced recesses. The first recess, adjacent the hinge, is rectangular and adapted to receive the skis disposed with the running surfaces abutting. The upper two recesses are adapted to receive each of the two poles.

Therefore, when the device of this invention is in a closed position wherein the inner surfaces of clamping members abut, a pair of skis and ski poles may be secured in the recesses for transportation, and a handle is provided therefor, adjacent the locking member.

In addition, a resilient lining is provided in the recesses. The lining is adapted to grip the skis and poles when the device is in a closed position, and its resiliency will permit use of the device of this invention with a variety of different types of skis and poles having different dimensional configurations.

The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics thereof. The present embodiment is therefore to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive, the scope of the invention being indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description, and all changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are therefore intended to be embraced therein.

What is claimed and desired to be secured by United States Letters Patent is:

1. A hand-carried device for transporting a pair of skis and poles comprising:

a pair of opposed elongated clamping members each having a substantial predetermined width, each of said members being of unitary structure having wall portions defining three discrete inwardly opening recesses, mutually spaced therealong and disposed in respective lateral registry with the recesses of the opposed members, the first recesses adapted to receive a central portion of said pair of skis and the second and third recesses adapted each to receive a central portion of one of said poles so that when the central portions of said skis and poles are disposed therein the longitudinal axes thereof will extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said members and the skis and poles are retained in said device solely by said pair of clamping members;

hinge means connecting said members at an end thereof for permitting pivotal movement between an open position wherein the central portions of said skis and poles may be received in the recesses, and a closed position wherein the wall portions of said members abut, retaining the skis and poles against movement out of the recesses; each of said wall portions being substantially coextensive in width with the corresponding member to prevent substantial pivotal movement of the skis and poles when retained in said device about axes other than their long axes;

locking means carried by said device for releasably holding said members in a closed position so that when said skis and poles are received in the recesses, and said members are in a closed position, said locking means will secure said skis and poles therein; and

handle means carried by at least one of said members adjacent an end thereof for carrying said device of the skis and poles carried thereby.

2. The device of claim 1 further comprising resilient means lining the inner surfaces of each of said recesses for engaging the central portions of said skis and poles when said skis and poles are received therein and said members are in a closed position.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein the lining means is sponge rubber.

4. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle means carried by said device and disposed at an end thereof opposite said hinge means for transporting said device.

5. The device of claim 1 wherein the end portion of one of said members opposite said hinge means has an opening therethrough and the adjacent end portion of said other member has a vertical notch therein, said locking means including a U shaped latch, the base of said latch extending through the opening in said members and through the notch in said other member when said members are in the closed position, said latch being pivotal relative to said members between an open position wherein the legs thereof extend along said notch, and a closed position wherein end portions of both of said members are confined between the legs of said latch with the inner surfaces of said members abut ting.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the end portions of at least one of said members, opposite said hinge means, has a peripheral lug, said lug adapted to retain said latch in the closed position.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the end portions of both of said members, opposite said hinge means. have peripheral retaining lugs mounted thereon.

8. the device of claim 1 wherein the first recess defined by each of said members extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of said members and is disposed adjacent said hinge means, each of said recesses having a rectangular lateral crosssectional configuration for receiving one of said skis.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the second and third recesses defined by each of said members extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of said members and are mutually spaced, distally to said hinge means, along the central portions of said members.

10. The device of claim 9 wherein the second and third recesses in said members have semi-circular lateral crosssectional configurations for receiving a portion of each of said ski poles.

11. The device of claim 1 wherein said members are constructed of molded fiberglass said handle means including handles mounted integrally at each of the ends thereof, opposite the hinge means. a: 4: :r 

1. A hand-carried device for transporting a pair of skis and poles comprising: a pair of opposed elongated clamping members each having a substantial predetermined width, each of said members being of unitary structure having wall portions defining three discrete inwardly opening recesses, mutually spaced therealong and disposed in respective lateral registry with the recesses of the opposed members, the first recesses adapted to receive a central portion of said pair of skis and the second and third recesses adapted each to receive a central portion of one of said poles so that when the central portions of said skis and poles are disposed therein the longitudinal axes thereof will extend perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of said members and the skis and poles are retained in said device solely by said pair of clamping members; hinge means connecting said members at an end thereof for permitting pivotal movement between an open position wherein the central portions of said skis and poles may be received in the recesses, and a closed position wherein the wall portions of said members abut, retaining the skis and poles against movement out of the recesses; each of said wall portions being substantially coextensive in width with the corresponding member to prevent substantial pivotaL movement of the skis and poles when retained in said device about axes other than their long axes; locking means carried by said device for releasably holding said members in a closed position so that when said skis and poles are received in the recesses, and said members are in a closed position, said locking means will secure said skis and poles therein; and handle means carried by at least one of said members adjacent an end thereof for carrying said device of the skis and poles carried thereby.
 2. The device of claim 1 further comprising resilient means lining the inner surfaces of each of said recesses for engaging the central portions of said skis and poles when said skis and poles are received therein and said members are in a closed position.
 3. The device of claim 2 wherein the lining means is sponge rubber.
 4. The device of claim 1 wherein the handle means carried by said device and disposed at an end thereof opposite said hinge means for transporting said device.
 5. The device of claim 1 wherein the end portion of one of said members opposite said hinge means has an opening therethrough and the adjacent end portion of said other member has a vertical notch therein, said locking means including a U-shaped latch, the base of said latch extending through the opening in said members and through the notch in said other member when said members are in the closed position, said latch being pivotal relative to said members between an open position wherein the legs thereof extend along said notch, and a closed position wherein end portions of both of said members are confined between the legs of said latch with the inner surfaces of said members abutting.
 6. The device of claim 5 wherein the end portions of at least one of said members, opposite said hinge means, has a peripheral lug, said lug adapted to retain said latch in the closed position.
 7. The device of claim 6 wherein the end portions of both of said members, opposite said hinge means, have peripheral retaining lugs mounted thereon.
 8. the device of claim 1 wherein the first recess defined by each of said members extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of said members and is disposed adjacent said hinge means, each of said recesses having a rectangular lateral crosssectional configuration for receiving one of said skis.
 9. The device of claim 8 wherein the second and third recesses defined by each of said members extend perpendicularly to the longitudinal axes of said members and are mutually spaced, distally to said hinge means, along the central portions of said members.
 10. The device of claim 9 wherein the second and third recesses in said members have semi-circular lateral crosssectional configurations for receiving a portion of each of said ski poles.
 11. The device of claim 1 wherein said members are constructed of molded fiberglass said handle means including handles mounted integrally at each of the ends thereof, opposite the hinge means. 